The Sweet Secret to Perfect Homemade Jam
Making homemade jams and preserves is a wonderful way to capture the flavours of your favourite fruits. But here’s the secret to success: the type of sugar you use can make all the difference. This guide offers essential jam making tips to help you understand how to make jam and preserves perfectly.
At Tate & Lyle Sugars, we’ve got you covered with our Fairtrade Jam Sugar and Preserving Sugar, expertly crafted and designed to help you create perfect preserves every time.
But what is the difference between Jam and Preserving sugars? Let's break it down.
Jam Sugar vs. Preserving Sugar
The key distinction lies in their composition. Tate & Lyle Fairtrade Jam Sugar contains added Pectin and Citric Acid. This is a game-changer for fruits that are naturally low in pectin, as it provides the setting power you need without any fuss.
On the other hand, Tate & Lyle Fairtrade Preserving Sugar’s uniqueness is the much larger sugar crystals which enables the sugar to dissolve slowly which has a big impact on the final product, which we'll explore now.
When to Use Jam Sugar
Fruits like strawberries, apricots, peaches, and pineapples are naturally low in pectin – the magic ingredient that helps jams set. That’s where Tate & Lyle Fairtrade Jam Sugar comes in. With the pectin already included, it ensures your jams achieve a beautiful consistency, taking the guesswork out of the process.
The role of pectin in jam making is crucial for getting that perfect, spreadable set. Whether you’re following a classic strawberry jam recipe or experimenting with tropical flavours, our Jam Sugar is your go-to choice for sweet success.
When to Use Preserving Sugar
For fruits high in natural pectin, such as citrus, apples, and blackberries, Tate & Lyle’s Fairtrade Preserving Sugar is the ideal choice. Its larger crystals dissolve slowly during the cooking process, which reduces the risk of burning and helps to create less froth for a brilliantly clear finish. This slow dissolving allows the fruit's natural pectin to work its magic without interference.
Using preserving sugar ensures your preserves are bursting with flavour, vibrant in colour, and utterly irresistible. It’s the perfect partner for creating many classic preserve recipes, like a tangy orange marmalade.
Achieve the Perfect Set Point
To test if your jam is ready, put a small spoonful onto a chilled plate. If a skin has formed after 30 seconds, the jam has reached its setting point. If not, boil it for another two minutes and check again. Repeat this process until it's ready, but be careful not to over-boil the jam, or it will end up too thick.
Why Choose Tate & Lyle Sugars?
We’ve been crafting sugars for over 145 years, so you can trust us to bring out the best in your recipes. Our dedication to quality means that whether you’re a seasoned jam-maker or just starting your journey, our sugars make it easier to create delicious spreads that your family will love. Following a few simple rules, like ensuring you are correctly sterilising jam jars before you start, will set you on the path to success.
Get Inspired
Looking for recipe ideas? Explore our collection of the best jam recipes and get started on your next creation. From classic marmalades to creative fruit combinations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy making and sharing.